Cleaning grout stains of unglazed ceramic tiles

dominoman

southcoastrgi wrote: »

OP it sounds to me that either the tiler didn't know they weren't ceramic tiles or he didn't know what he is doing, in any event it's his responsibility to put it right at his expense

Unfortunately I just don't think he will. I got him via a recommendation on a local group, but he is the type that will quickly disappear if chased up. I've paid him now and if it was a matter of a quick fix he may do it, but given that it isn't I would rather do it myself and avoid him making it worse.

benjus

I have a very similar issue with encaustic cement tiles. I've paid about 70% of the job so at least I have some leverage. But I've no idea how this can be fixed, short of ripping the whole lot out and starting again (I'm pretty sure the tilers would just disappear rather than do that).

JEN22

You don't need to seal unglazed porcelain tiles at all

Silver-Surfer_2

JEN22 wrote: »

You don't need to seal unglazed porcelain tiles at all

Maybe you can suggest a solution that will help the op instead of repeating yourself.

andyhop

The first post mentions unglazed ceramic. These will stain easily as the tile face and biscuit can absorb around 20% moisture.

A unglazed porcelain tile is a different matter, tiles are pressed and fired at a higher temp. A unglazed tile is also full bodied meaning the tile face and biscuit colour is consistent right through the tile. They do not require sealing and those that think they do need to understand the basics in porcelain tiles. They really are the tile of gods and will still be around when the world ends. Porcelain has zero absorbation rate compared to the 20% of ceramic

The only type of porcelain that requires sealing is polished , the polishing procedure opens up the pores in the tile face which can cause minor staining

andyhop

BTW lithofin cement remover may help. It's fairly mild but do test on a area out of sight

If the tiles are polished / shiny be carefull using rough pads. Clean microfibre should be suffice. If they are not the above then use a emulsyfying pad to agitate the surface

Silver-Surfer_2

andyhop wrote: »

The first post mentions unglazed ceramic. These will stain easily as the tile face and biscuit can absorb around 20% moisture.

A unglazed porcelain tile is a different matter, tiles are pressed and fired at a higher temp. A unglazed tile is also full bodied meaning the tile face and biscuit colour is consistent right through the tile. They do not require sealing and those that think they do need to understand the basics in porcelain tiles. They really are the tile of gods and will still be around when the world ends. Porcelain has zero absorbation rate compared to the 20% of ceramic

The only type of porcelain that requires sealing is polished , the polishing procedure opens up the pores in the tile face which can cause minor staining

Not everyone is in agreement with that opinion.

andyhop

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

Not everyone is in agreement with that opinion.

The Internet is full of those that think they know!!

I take my advice and information from suppliers, visited various tile production lines and seen it with my own eyes

Silver-Surfer_2

andyhop wrote: »

The Internet is full of those that think they know!!

I take my advice and information from suppliers, visited various tile production lines and seen it with my own eyes

Including suppliers and producers of tiles.

So at the moment that puts you in the think you know category.

andyhop

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

Including suppliers and producers of tiles.

So at the moment that puts you in the think you know category.

Porcelain has a zero absorbation rate, its proven . Every tile box has QC details that shows the tests done

Only polished will absorb a tiny amount on the surface

I'd suggest if you think you know better you contact a handful of tile producers such as Vitra, Marrazzi, Johnsons